Pakistan hints at foreign hand but avoids naming India for floods

Fresh discharge from India into the Sutlej River triggered another wave of flooding in Punjab, while water from last week’s devastation continued to move downstream into Sindh. Officials warned of peak levels in the coming days.

“I am not in a position to say whether water was deliberately stored and released at a certain time,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters at his weekly briefing.

“However, the information shared by India has been less comprehensive than before and did not follow the Indus Waters Commissioner channel. We reiterate that India must fully comply with all provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.”

Floods, fueled by unprecedented monsoon rains and water releases from India, have shattered a nearly 40-year record in Punjab, causing widespread destruction in central and southern regions. Some observers suspect India may have timed water discharges deliberately to worsen the situation.

On foreign relations, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s diplomacy remains guided by Article 40 of the Constitution, the UN Charter, and international law.

He highlighted Russia as a “priority partner,” noting positive momentum in bilateral ties, and confirmed Pakistan’s seriousness in pursuing BRICS membership with Moscow’s support.

Regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), he stressed that the forum is “not aimed against any country” but is meant to promote “common prosperity, peace, and stability.”

Responding to recent remarks by Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, Khan called them “an exercise in irony,” pointing out that sanctuaries for terrorist groups, particularly Fitna Al Khwarij, in Afghanistan remained a “serious issue” straining bilateral ties. He reiterated that the matter had been raised at the highest levels.

On alleged cross-border strikes, the spokesperson avoided naming Afghan territory directly but insisted Pakistan’s security forces only carried out “targeted operations in border regions” against terrorist threats.

Last week, the Taliban government summoned a Pakistani envoy in Kabul and registered a protest over reports air strikes.

“Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation…

We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launchpad for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” he added.

Responding to another questions about UN concerns on Afghan refugees, Shafqat underlined that Pakistan had been the most generous host for over five decades.

“What we are saying is that people who have no documentation, they will be sent back.

It is our territory, we decide who stays in… any Afghan who wants to come, he’s more than welcome with a valid visa.

We have a very liberal visa regime for Afghan people,” he added.

Floods

In Khanewal, the Pul Rango embankment at Head Sidhnai, which had caved in to extreme floodwater pressure, was repaired by authorities. Yet the flood situation in Punjab remains precarious, with rescue and relief operations continuing around the clock.

India’s release of additional river water has unleashed devastation across South Punjab, with heavy flooding in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers broke several embankments, submerging dozens of villages.

India has officially informed Pakistan of another release of water into the Sutlej.

Following notification from the Indian High Commission, Pakistan’s Water Resources Ministry issued a flood alert, warning of high flood levels at Harike and Ferozepur.

According to Punjab’s PDMA, water inflow in the Sutlej will rise further, and a high-flood alert has been declared across the province.

DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said the civil administration, Army, and relevant departments were on alert.

At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej’s flow reached a dangerous 327,000 cusecs.

High flood levels were also recorded at Sulaimanki and Islam Headworks, submerging streams and settlements in four tehsils of Bahawalpur.

The River Ravi situation is also alarming:

Head Sidhnai is facing extremely high flood levels, while water inflow at Head Balloki has exceeded 138,760 cusecs.

Similarly, the Chenab continued to rise near Khanki, Head Qadirabad, and Chiniot.

In Multan, water at Shujaabad Canal near Qasim Bela swelled to three times its original capacity, causing overflow into surrounding areas.

The Shershah embankment also overflowed, submerging several settlements where residents had no chance to evacuate.

Entry of floodwater into Sikandari drain has triggered alarm for nearby populations.

Constant pressure on the Akbar flood embankment has led to breaches, with flood torrents sweeping into Akbarpur, Basti Kotwal, and adjoining localities.

The Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala had swelled to extraordinary levels earlier this week, forcing rapid deployment of the Army rescue teams across affected districts.

Relief operations are under way in Talamba, Mian Channu, Abdul Hakeem, and Muzaffargarh, where thousands of people and livestock have already been evacuated.

In Sahiwal, flooding from the Ravi affected 49 villages. To manage the crisis, 30 relief camps have been set up by the Army and civil administration.

Similar operations are in progress in Behrampur, Rangpur, Jawana Bangla, Muradabad, Doaba, and Ashiq Chowk, where Army boats have been rescuing marooned families.

Medical camps at flood relief centres are providing free treatment and distributing food, clean water, and medicines

Displaced families have praised Army personnel for their service and sacrifices during the crisis.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 49 people have died in flood-related incidents so far, while nearly 3.9 million have been affected by rising waters in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.

The PDMA report noted that over 3,900 localities have suffered damage.

Around 1.839 million people stranded by floods have been shifted to safer areas. More than 1.3 million animals have also been relocated.

Punjab’s Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that the provincial government, with Army assistance, is working to ensure the protection of lives, property, and livestock.

Sindh braced for incoming waters

As Punjab struggles with devastation, floodwaters entered Sindh, where authorities are racing to prepare for high flows at major barrages.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired an emergency meeting to review the situation, directing officials to establish relief camps, plan evacuations, and reinforce embankments.

Sindh’s government has already set up 528 relief camps across vulnerable districts, though officials said many residents are reluctant to leave their homes.

Nevertheless, 109,320 people have been moved from katcha (riverine) areas to safer ground.

Evacuations are under way in Sukkur, Kandiaro, Rohri, and Dadu.

In Sukkur and nearby katcha areas, 42 people were shifted to safety, while another 21 residents were relocated from Mohabbat Dero village in Kandiaro.

In New Sukkur, 21 individuals, including 14 men, one woman, and six children, were rescued from Hajji Faqir Muhammad Jatoi village.

Flood emergency medical camps have also been established in Dadu, providing women’s OPD and maternal healthcare services for displaced families.

The Army and civil authorities continue joint operations in both Punjab and Sindh as floodwaters wreak havoc across riverine belts.

Relief efforts have been praised by many victims, but officials warn that the scale of displacement and destruction remains enormous.

With embankments under constant pressure and vast stretches of farmland and villages under water, the twin provinces are facing one of the most severe flood emergencies in recent memory.